A highly-anticipated spectacle awaits as Real Madrid travel to Atletico Madrid for their next La Liga game on Sunday.
Los Blancos made it five wins in all competitions by defeating Alaves 3-2 at home in La Liga in their previous game. Goals from Lucas Vasquez, Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrygo secured the victory for Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways in the league with Julian Alvarez’s late winner leading them to a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo earlier in the week.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream:Â ESPN+, ESPN App
This game is not available for live TV broadcast. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and ESPN App.Â
What time does Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain and kicks off on Sunday, September 29 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
 | Date | Kickoff time |
Eastern Time | Sun, Sep. 29 | 3:00 p.m. |
Central Time | Sun, Sep. 29 | 2:00 p.m. |
Mountain Time | Sun, Sep. 29 | 1:00 p.m. |
Pacific Time | Sun, Sep. 29 | 12:00 p.m. |
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid lineups, team news
Atletico Madrid had started the season at full strength, but saw captain Cesar Azpilicueta go down with a muscle injury, and he will now miss a few weeks.
Rodrigo de Paul has also been struggling with a knock but returned from the bench against Celta and could be restored to the starting 11 for this rivalry match.
Antoine Griezmann and Robin Le Normand are also back after being rested against Vallecano recently.Â
Atletico Madrid predicted XI (5-3-2, right to left): Oblak (GK) — Molina, Le Normand, Witsel, Reinildo, Lino — De Paul, Koke, Gallagher — Griezmann, Alvarez.
Injured:Â Azpilicueta, Barrios, Lemar
Suspended:Â None
Despite being thin at the back, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti seemed close to having his full first-choice 11 available for selection for the crucial phase of the early season before the huge blow of losing Mbappe was confirmed.
Mbappe went down with a leg injury late against Alaves and will be out for three weeks, meaning he will miss out on the derby but also a number of other important fixtures. Either Endrick or Arda Guler will be the options to replace the Frenchman.
The only other starting doubt is midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who has a muscle injury. He is reported to be ready to return, as is Dani Carvajal.
Antonio Rudiger returned to starting fitness against Alaves on Tuesday, meaning Aurelin Tchouameni no longer has to deputize at the back.
Only David Alaba remains out amongst the defensive options while recovering from his ACL tear, expected back soon, while squad players Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz are also sidelined.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy — Valverde, Bellingham, Tchouameni — Rodrygo, Endrick, Vinicius
Injured:Â Mbappe, Alaba, Diaz, Ceballos
Suspended:Â None
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid PredictionÂ
Atletico Madrid come into this game with a psychological edge as they have won two of the last three Madrid derbies played at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Real Madrid are missing key players including Mbappe, while Atletico Madrid are solid at the back. This game could end all even at the end of 90 minutes.
- Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid
La Liga fixture schedule this week
Friday, September 27
- Real Valladolid vs. Mallorca (3:00 p.m. ET)
Saturday, September 28
- Getafe vs. Alaves (8:00 a.m. ET)Â
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Leganes (10:15 a.m. ET)
- Real Sociedad vs. Valencia (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Osasuna vs Barcelona (3:00 p.m. ET)
Sunday, September 29
- Celta Vigo vs. Girona (8:00 a.m. ET)Â
- Athletic Club vs. Sevilla (10:15Â a.m. ET)
- Real Betis vs. Espanyol (12:30 p.m. ET)Â
- Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid (3:00 p.m. ET)Â
Monday, September 30
- Villarreal vs. Las Palmas (3:00 p.m. ET)